CornerStone PT & Wellness Center - June 2019

CornerStone PT & Wellness Center - June 2019

JUNE 2019

CORNERSTONE Monthly

77 Brant Avenue, Suite 101, Clark, NJ 07066 • www.cornerstoneptnj.com • 732.499.4540

Cornerstone PT Patients

LESSONS FROM FATHERHOOD FULL OF SURPRISES

VIP Referral Patient of the Month!

Every time Father’s Day rolls around, I can’t help but reflect on how much being a dad has changed my life. There really isn’t anything you can do to prepare for being a father — from the moment my daughter was born, every experience has been a surprise! I’ve enjoyed each and every stage of my kids’ development, which is why I’m so glad I made the decision to make time for them while they were still young. Before I had kids, our clinic actually had three locations. Some readers may even remember those days. Maintaining quality physical therapy centers spread across the county is no easy task — my days were filled from dawn till dusk. When my kids came along, it quickly became clear that I’d barely ever get a chance to actually spend time with them, especially once their schooling got serious. So, while having three locations may have been lucrative in a financial sense, I realized it wasn’t beneficial for me. Your kids only grow up once, and the chance to be there for them is priceless.

that it’s becoming clear my kids are reaching another milestone in their young lives.

JOHN ‘JAY’ MULDOON

At age 11, my son is starting to take more interest in girls, though I think his ideal date would be to play video games. We’ve come a long way from the days when you’d take your crush out for cotton candy on the boardwalk. Meanwhile, at 13, my daughter has made it pretty clear her one true love is softball. But who knows, that may change here pretty soon. As hard as it is for me to believe, she starts high school this fall. In four more years my daughter will be out the door, making her own destiny. I’m glad I’m here to see every step along the way. At the time of writing, I’ve just attended one of my son’s games, while my wife did the same for our daughter. We met up at a restaurant afterward, and the most incredible thing happened. Like the little adults they’re becoming, my daughter and son asked each other about their day and gave each other the play- by-play of their games. Mom and I just sat back and watched. It was a small moment, but one that really drove home how fast they are growing up. Fatherhood continues to be full of surprises, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve found so much joy in my family, from big accomplishments to small conversations around the dinner table. I don’t know if they have anything planned for me this Father’s Day, but honestly, the best gift of all is just going to be spending that Sunday with them.

The best compliment we can receive is to have one of our patients refer a friend or family member to our practice. If you refer someone and we are able to take them as a patient, both you and the person who was referred

Thank You! will be entered to win a $25 gift card! It’s just our way of saying

“Four more years, and my daughter will be out the door, making her own destiny. I’m glad I’m here to see every step along the way.”

So, I downsized Cornerstone to the one local clinic you know and love. Suddenly, I could attend my daughter’s sports games over a long lunch and still make it back to wrap things up at work. As she became more and more serious about softball, I grew to be even more grateful for the decision I’d made. I wouldn’t trade cheering her or her brother on in person for anything in the world. This is something I feel even more strongly about now

To all the dads on their own surprise-filled journey, Happy Father’s Day.

–David DeLaFuente

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Hold On Tight! Prepare for Family Fun at an Amusement Park This Summer

“It was a great experience. Everyone is nice here. I had fun while I did my exercises. They helped me walk better after my broken leg, and they helped me get my strength back.” –Joshua F.

On June 16, 1884, the first roller coaster in the nation opened to eager and brave participants at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. In the years since the first riders climbed aboard the Switchback Railway 135 years ago, roller coasters and the amusement parks that house them have changed dramatically. But the thrill that attracted all those first participants still remains.

Celebrate the nation’s love of heart-stopping adventure by visiting an amusement park this summer. Follow these tips to make the most out of your trip.

I’M LOST!

Before you head out, review park maps and ride descriptions. Create a list of the attractions everyone in your group wants to see and plan out your route ahead of time. While some spontaneity can be fun — it’s a vacation, after all — the sheer size of many parks coupled with high anticipation can be overwhelming if you aren’t prepared. Planning ahead will save you a few headaches and disappointed family members.

PACK THE ESSENTIALS

Find an over-the-shoulder bag or strap on a fanny pack to carry your cash, keys, snacks, water bottles, sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses. You’re spending the whole day outside, so make sure you’re considering the weather when you head out and always slather on a generous amount of sunscreen. Lastly, wear comfortable walking shoes to prevent blisters and aching heels. You’ll have more fun if you know you’ll be prepared for anything.

WATER COSTS HOW MUCH!?

“When I started physical therapy, I really couldn’t keep my balance

Amusement parks are expensive, and when you spend a whole day seeking thrills, you’re eventually going to need sustenance. Check the park’s rules before you leave, but most will allow your family to bring in a few snacks, like fruits or granola bars, and a reusable, empty water bottle. Many parks will have a drinking fountain near the entrance where you can fill up before exploring. If you plan to eat or drink at one of the establishments in the park, peruse the food options on the park’s website ahead of time to get an idea of what is available and how much money you should bring.

because of my concussion. They helped me get my balance back and get back to gymnastics.” –Jessica C.

Adventure awaits this summer! Don’t let a lack of preparedness keep you from enjoying a 135-year-old tradition.

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THROWING OFF YOUR GAME

Spot Rotator Cuff Injuries Early

As spring sports transition into summer, it’s important to take note of how your body’s feeling. This is particularly true of swimmers, baseball players, tennis players, and any other athletes who find themselves making repetitive, overhead motions. Spotting a rotator cuff injury early can be the difference between recovering quickly or spending a summer on the sidelines.

activity causing the rotator cuff to become inflamed should do the trick. But if you ignore these aches, they can grow far more debilitating. Your tendon is likely torn or close to tearing when you experience noticeable pain while lifting your arm or resting on the injured shoulder. You may also find that even activities like brushing your hair become far more difficult due to muscle weakness. Popping or grinding sensations when you move are definite signs something is wrong. Thankfully, most rotator cuff injuries can be addressed with rest, ice, and physical therapy. Our team helps athletes of all ages rehabilitate their shoulders after these tears all the time — it’s our pleasure to get you back to the sport you love. However, in the case of a complete tear of the muscle, you may need surgery, making it all the more important to notice a rotator cuff injury early and make strides toward recovery. TREATMENT

WHAT IS A ROTATOR CUFF INJURY?

The rotator cuff and the tendons surrounding it are what make motions like throwing a pitch or swimming front crawl possible. But, if overworked, these tendons can become inflamed, frayed and, if not addressed, torn. That’s why it’s important to identify this debilitating injury before it gets too severe.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Initially, athletes only notice mild pain as they play, which eventually also begins to show up while they’re resting. At this stage, simply taking a break from the

MISO SOUP WITH MUSHROOMS AND KALE

Because miso is fermented, it comes packed with all the important probiotics. As a bonus, it tastes pretty dang good, especially in this umami-packed soup filled with mushrooms and kale.

INGREDIENTS

• • • • •

1 splash olive oil

• • • •

3 tbsp yellow miso paste

4 oz. mushrooms, sliced 4 cloves garlic, minced

8 oz. extra firm tofu, pressed and drained

3/4 cup kale

4 cups water

1 tbsp rice vinegar

1 cup vegetable broth

DIRECTIONS

1. In a stock pot or Dutch oven, heat oil to medium. Add mushrooms and sauté until mushrooms just begin to shrink. Add garlic, water, broth, miso, and tofu. 2. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 5 minutes. 3. Stir in kale and rice vinegar; cook until kale softens. 4. Divide into bowls and serve.

Inspired by OneGreenPlanet.org

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77 Brant Avenue, Suite 101 Clark, NJ 07066 732.499.4540 www.cornerstoneptnj.com

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INSIDE This Issue

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Lessons From Fatherhood

Testimonials

Amusement Park Trip Tips

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Don’t Let a Torn Rotator Cuff Ruin Your Summer

Miso Soup With Mushrooms and Kale

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Exploring the River of No Return

Journey Down a River of No Return

THE UNSPOILED BEAUTY OF CENTRAL IDAHO

There’s more to Idaho than potatoes. Sitting square in the center of the Gem State is one of the largest contiguous areas of protected wilderness in the U.S. While the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area may not roll off the tongue as easy as Yellowstone or Yosemite, this 2 million-acre swath of mountains, gorges, and alpine lakes offers something for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. RIVER OF NO WHAT, NOW? The name of the wilderness may sound a little ominous at first — who wants to travel down a river of no return? — but in truth, it’s a title from times gone by when canoes and small watercraft could travel down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River swiftly but couldn’t fight the current going back up. Today, those same rapids make the Middle Fork a wildly popular whitewater rafting destination, with plenty of local and out-of-state enthusiasts making a return journey every summer. RAFTING ISN’T FOR ME. WHAT ELSE YOU GOT? If crashing down 300 Class III rapids isn’t your speed, the Frank Church Wilderness has plenty of other ways to enjoy the wild mountain country. There

are several lodges that were grandfathered in to the wilderness area, most of which are only accessible by jet boat, light aircraft, or good old-fashioned hiking. Some, like the Middle Fork Lodge, offer five-star accommodations, located conveniently close to one of the area’s many natural hot springs. Those with the right permits will find the rivers and lakes full of fishing opportunities, and the surrounding pine forests are teeming with game. LODGES? I JUST WANT TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL. For those looking for a truly unplugged experience, backpacking to the many campsites scattered throughout the region can be an incredible journey. If you spend a night beside the crystal-clear waters of Langer Lake, hundreds of miles away from any light pollution, you’ll find peace, quiet, and a sky bursting with stars. If you’ve ever wanted to experience a truly untamed part of the United States, Idaho is the hidden gem you’ve been looking for.

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